Bio & Incident Details

Detective Shane Thomas died due to complications from an injury he sustained while taking part in mounted patrol training in May 2009.

He was training at Horseshoe Farms when the horse he was riding reared and fell on top of him, breaking his neck and rendering him a quadriplegic. He was airlifted to Mission Hospital and spent the next four months rehabilitating in Atlanta, Georgia.

Detective Thomas returned home in October 2009 but had limited mobility. With the assistance of voice activated computer software, he was able to return to work with the sheriff's office performing computer data entry and managing confidential information about drug dealers.

Detective Thomas developed complications from his spinal injuries and passed away on December 28th, 2012, as a result.

Detective Thomas had served with the Henderson County Sheriff's Office for 19 years. He is survived by his wife, two sons, two daughters, one grandson, brother, sister, parents, and his grandmother.

Most Recent Reflection

I have never met Detective Thomas, but nevertheless would have been honored to meet him. I am a high school senior who is about to enter the marine corps and the real world, I thought i had previously known what dedication was, but until I read about Detective Thomas, I was wrong. This man, whom i've never met, whose home I may never visit, has nevertheless inspired me to try and emulate such a shining example of what dedication really means. My condolences and respect to you and your family.